Kristen Bell: ''I love nerds''

With ''Veronica'' behind her, the fan favorite tells us about her upcoming Comic-Con-friendly roles in ''Heroes,'' and the movies ''Fanboys'' and Judd Apatow's ''Forgetting Sarah Marshall'' -- plus one on ''Lost'' that got away

If playing Veronica Mars for three years didn’t solidify her placement at the center of the geek universe, then this surely will: Kristen Bell will appear on NBC’s Heroes this fall for a multi-episode arc. ”Saying you’re a nerd is now the cool thing to do,” notes Bell, 27, who also plays a Star Wars fanatic in Fanboys (out January 2008) and headlines next summer’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall, from producer Judd Apatow. ”The fansites are obsessed with her…. It’s [her] very approachable charm,” explains Fanboys director Kyle Newman. Quips Marshall co-producer Rodney Rothman, ”I guess she’s cornered the market on losers. The girl’s got chops, man.” And she can also speak for herself. Without further ado…

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What’s life been like since Mars? KRISTEN BELL: Right after Veronica Mars wrapped [in April], I left for Hawaii [to film Marshall]. I was on cloud nine, obviously, because I was getting to work with Judd Apatow’s group. I’d really wanted to be a part of that very small pool of lucky actors.

What’s the film about?It is about a guy whose girlfriend breaks up with him, and they’d [had] this trip planned for Hawaii and neither of them thinks the other is going to take advantage of it. So they [end] up in Hawaii; she’s with her new boyfriend, and chaos ensues.

Sounds like it was a change from The CW.I was knee-deep in improv. Being able to come up with my own stuff and [being asked], ”What would you like your character to do here?” It was a lovely experience.

The Apatow films are doing really well. For a while, it was nothing but PG-13 comedies.I have the mouth of a sailor. I have to remember not to drop F-bombs when I’m ordering my lunch. Nothing is supposed to be offensive about it, it’s just meant to be real.

So tell us about Fanboys.These Star Wars nerds drive cross-country to break into George Lucas’ ranch and steal a print of [The Phantom Menace] so that their friend with a terminal illness can see it before it comes out.

You sort of have fanboys of your own. Are you happy about that?I’m really flattered. I love nerds. Comic-Con junkies are the tastemakers of tomorrow. Isn’t that funny? The tables have turned. They’re a fiercely intelligent audience, which makes filmmakers want to please them. But I’m looking for the fangirl to come out of her shell a little, to be more accepted.

All right, you’ve held out long enough: What’s up with Heroes?I’m on a sugar high, to be totally honest. For me, starting a new project is kind of like switching high schools — that feeling of excitement and nerves. And because everyone is so nice and I know so many people involved, I feel like I’m switching high schools — but one that a lot of my friends have already transferred to.

You’re kind of the go-to girl these days. You’re also narrating The CW’s fall drama Gossip Girl. And we hear that Lost was trying to scoop you up?I’m flattered that I would even be considered for the other roles. [But] I was really excited when there was the prospect of working in town and on one of the best shows on television. There comes a point where I’d like to fall asleep in my own bed.

What can you tell us about your role?[Elle] comes in with a bang. She’s a bit of a criminal in the beginning. I’m not even sure if they know whether she’s going to be bad or good. She has a link to H.R.G. and Peter. She becomes integral to the mystery on the show.

Did you have to do a table read or go out and audition for the producers?No, I didn’t. Doesn’t that feel like I’m on another planet? It’s flattering. Everyone has the right to see actors audition [so] they get what’s right for their projects. But when you have someone coming to you saying, ”I know you’re right,” it just makes you blush. I’m over the moon.